Babies and Parents

The symptoms of an episode of depression usually develop slowly over days or weeks, but sometimes can be triggered rapidly, precipitated by a severe event (family argument, the death of a loved one, separation from parents, failure in love, etc. .)

The duration of episodes of depression vary widely, but generally no treatment is that last about six months, but occasionally may persist for 2-3 years.

Children who have suffered an episode of depression may return to repeat it more often in the 2 years after the first episode. Even without a new episode of depression in full, it is not uncommon to have any of depressive symptoms.

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnosis of this disease, currently, is largely based on the presence of the symptoms discussed. There are some interviews, questionnaires or psychological tests that can help make the diagnosis.

Have also been used, though still inconclusive, laboratory tests (determination of certain hormones that may appear altered in children with depression, such as growth hormone) and the realization of electroencephalogram during sleep (brain activity recorded during dream that has some characteristic abnormalities in depressed children). Read the rest of this entry »